Abstract: Disclosed is a device for accurately detecting the direction and angle of rotation independently of ambient environments. The device is provided with an equally-spaced electrode holding plate 52 having equally-spaced electrodes 56 arranged along the circumference of a first circle, and a fixed phase electrode holding plate having ? a-phase electrodes and ? b-phase electrodes both arranged along the circumference of a second circle opposite the first circle, wherein when ? is equal to or greater than 2, two arbitrary ones of the a-phase electrodes are at positions displaced an angle of an integral multiple of 2?/N apart on the circumference of the second circle in the rotation direction. When ? is equal to or greater than 2, two arbitrary ones of the b-phase electrodes are at positions displaced an angle of an integral multiple of 2?/N apart on the circumference of the second circle in the rotation direction.

Abstract: An operation input unit includes: a printed board mounted with a plurality of push button switches and a rotation detecting means on its upper face; an operation member formed of a metal thin plate portion and a resin material portion integrated with each other, having press projections, and supported vertically movably on the printed board; and a disk-shaped operation dial rotatably mounted onto an upper face of the operation member. The rotation detecting means detects a direction of rotation when the disk-shaped operation dial is rotated while the press projections of the operation member operate the push button switches when the disk-shaped operation dial is pressed.

Abstract: In a multifunction operating device, e.g., for a vehicle, for selecting function groups and functions in a menu structure that may be represented on a display device, the operating device includes at least one two-directional rotating element. The two-directional rotating element may be arranged so that it may select function groups and/or functions in a menu plane. A second operating element may be provided for selecting the menu planes.

Abstract: A rotationally-operated input device includes the following elements: (a) a magnetized cylindrical rotary magnet; (b) an operating shaft having the rotary magnet inserted and held thereon; (c) an upper case and a lower case for sandwiching the operating shaft therebetween rotatably; (d) an insulating substrate for fixing and holding the lower case; (e) a detection element mounted on the insulating substrate, for detecting rotation of the rotary magnet in a non-contact manner; and (f) a fixed magnet for generating an attractive and repulsive force between the fixed magnet and the rotary magnet. This structure allows detection of a rotation state of the operating shaft and provides click-feeling at rotating operation, in a non-contact manner. Thus a long-life small rotationally-operated input device can be provided.

Abstract: A thin-type mode-switching switch includes a circuit board, a metal dome, a mode dial, and a fixing member. The circuit board has a plurality of retaining holes opened therein, and conductive regions are distributed around the retaining holes to serve as switch contacts. When the mode dial is rotated to drive the metal dome, a protruding portion on the metal dome falls in one of the retaining holes. Due to the contact between the protruding portion and the conductive region, a preset input signal is transmitted to a central control unit. Thereby, the mode-switching and retaining control are integrated to achieve the purpose of being thin-type.

Abstract: A portable electronic device with scroll wheel control module includes a housing (20), a display (212) and two scroll wheel mechanisms (41,42). Two side walls (220) of the housing having a slot (222) defined therein. Each scroll wheel mechanism includes a main wheel (432), a circuit board (45) a touch switch (47) and a sensing apparatus (46). The main wheel has gratings (4322) defined therein and partially extends out from the slot of the side wall. The touch switch is below the main wheel and is positioned on a circuit board. The sensing apparatus includes a light source (462) configured for emitting light and a light sensing element (464) configured for receiving light from the gratings of the main wheel and producing a pulse signal. When the main wheel is pressed down, the touch switch produces an electronic signal.

Abstract: A high speed quadrature counter for use with a displacement measuring device is disclosed. The counter provides high speed counting by partitioning the tracking counter into a small fast tracking counter portion for the LSBs and a larger slow tracking counter portion for the MSBs. The fast tracking counter portion outputs a smaller number of bits according to a fast clock rate, while the slow tracking counter portion outputs a larger number of bits to update the remainder of the position at a slower clock rate. In various embodiments, the counter provides a corrected position value that has an effective timing within a few fast clock cycles of the time of the latch trigger signal. A corrected latched position circuit corrects an error that may otherwise be produced by the partitioning and the different clock rates of the fast and slow tracking counter portions.

Abstract: A remote control for an electronic device has a cylindrical body that can be rotated to control a function of the device. An outer circumference of the cylindrical body can rotate or an orientation sensor can be used to detect rotation of the remote body itself. A mounting portion allows the remote to be securely mounted on a mounting surface. Transport controls for the device are positioned on an upper face of the cylindrical body. A radio frequency transmitter in the cylindrical body communicates control signals to the device or an accessory coupled to the device. The remote is powered by a rechargeable power supply that can be recharged by coupling the remote to a charger or docking the remote with a base station.

Abstract: The present invention provides an input device (2) in which a user can efficiently find target information.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a roller having a center shaft protruding along a center axis, a bearing for supporting the center shaft of the roller to allow the roller to rotate about the center axis, a ring magnet fixed to the center shaft of the roller, an elastic member having a ring shape provided between the center shaft of the roller and the bearing, and a fixed magnet facing the ring magnet. The ring magnet is alternately magnetized to an S-pole and an N-pole with predetermined angular intervals. This rotary actuator has a simple structure and operates with a preferable operation feeling.

Abstract: Including an operation body of circular ring shape, a first guide plate of magnetic body fixed to the downside of the operation body, a plurality of movable magnets disposed on the downside of a first flat plane of the first guide plate concentrically with the operation body, a base for rotatably supporting the operation body from beneath, a detection element for detecting a change in magnetic field from the movable contacts due to rotating operation of the operation body without making contact, and a second guide plate of a magnetic body fixed to the base having a plurality of second flat planes opposite to the disposing position of the movable magnets so as to be opposite to each one of the movable magnets, the plurality of movable magnets face to or depart from each one of the second flat planes of the second guide plate depending on the rotation of the operation body. Hence, a rotary operation type input device having a clear click feel can be obtained at low cost and in thin type.

Abstract: An input device for an electronic apparatus includes a rotary dial module and a keypad surrounding the rotary dial module. The rotary dial module includes a base plate, a flexible printed circuit board, a retainer, a rotary dial, and a plurality of contacts. The flexible printed circuit board is mounted on the base plate. The retainer is positioned above the flexible printed circuit board and is mounted on the base plate. The rotary dial is rotatably mounted on the retainer. The contacts are mounted on the flexible printed circuit board. Each of the contacts is assigned to a portion of the rotary dial and capable of forming a closed circuit when the corresponding portion of the rotary dial is pressed down and in contact with the contact. The input device has a compact size because the rotary dial can replace some keys.

Abstract: A system for development of an input device capable of implementing an input device of various shapes and functions by providing the same visual, haptic, and audible feedbacks as a product to be massively fabricated when the input device is designed. The system comprises: an input device for receiving a rotation input by a user, and generating tactile feedbacks corresponding to the rotation input; a display device for displaying a virtual input device having a designable appearance in an interworking manner in correspondence with the user's manipulation; and a controller for controlling the input device by being connected thereto so that the tactile feedbacks corresponding to the rotation input can be provided, and for controlling the display device so that the virtual input device can be displayed in correspondence with the user's manipulation.

Abstract: A floor mat suitable for a vehicle is shown in FIG. 1 includes a circuit (1) for operating remotely controllable devices (20) both inside a vehicle or outside a vehicle. In another embodiment, a floor mat is equipped with a transponder that will respond to interrogation systems such as those commonly used at two booths on highways, bridges and tunnels. In another embodiment, a GPS receiver is incorporated into the floor mat along with a transmitter that will transmit the location of the motor vehicle to a remote tracking station.

Abstract: This tactile interface includes a layer (5) of pins (4) that the user can touch with the fleshy part of one of his fingers. The pins (4) are free to rotate and their spacing can be adjusted using an appropriate system. They can be provided with edges to assist in simulating other textures.

Abstract: A method for providing a correlation between a periodic analog/digital conversion and an angle-synchronous signal, in which the periodic analog/digital conversion is provided with a timing mark, which correlates with the angle-synchronous signal, and is assigned to an angular position of a device via this timing mark.

Abstract: A plurality of sets of prepared parameters are stored in a parameter memory. A first control knob can be moved over a predetermined operating range in which a plurality of predetermined positions are discretely defined. The plurality of sets of prepared parameters are respectively assigned to the plurality of predetermined positions. When a current operating position of the first control knob is positioned between any two adjacent positions of the plurality of predetermined positions, two sets of prepared parameters are read out from the parameter memory in accordance with the two adjacent positions corresponding to the current operating position of the first control knob, and the read-out two sets of prepared parameters are interpolated in accordance with the current operating position of the first control knob to obtain one set of interpolated parameters. The input signal is subjected to the signal processing using one set of interpolated parameters.

Abstract: Provided is a data input device which is employed in a portable terminal and used as an auxiliary input device. The data input device includes first data input means mounted on a predetermined position of a side surface of the main body of the portable terminal so that a portion of the first data input means is exposed to the outside, and operating when the exposed portion is rotated; second data input means operating when the exposed portion is pressed; a holding unit for maintaining a stopped state of the first data input means; and an elastic sliding unit for returning the second data input means to an initial position.

Abstract: A remote control unit is provided that includes an annular touch sensor for manipulating an annular menuing system displayed on a display device. In response to a user gesturing by scrolling clockwise or counter-clockwise about the annular touch sensor, pressing firmly on the annular touch sensor, or tapping at a particular location on the annular touch sensor, the annular menuing system is manipulated to select particular items. The remote control unit is further configured to implement location-awareness features. Control is adapted to the location of the remote control unit and to the devices located nearby to this location. Similarly the remote control unit is further configured to implement user-awareness features, such that the control is adapted for the individual preferences of different users.

Abstract: A hand-held device is provided. The hand-held device includes a rotary wheel, a plurality of switches, a plurality of character regions corresponding to the switches, and a controller. The rotary wheel has a plurality of positioning inputs. Each character region comprises a plurality of icons corresponding to the positioning inputs, wherein each icon comprises a character. The controller is responsive to operations on the rotary wheel and the switch, and input a corresponding character. The above-mentioned rotary wheel can replace keyboard in the hand-held device.

Abstract: A hand-held device is provided. The hand-held device includes a rotary wheel, a switch, a character region, and a controller. The rotary wheel has a plurality of positioning inputs. The character region includes a plurality of icons corresponding to the positioning inputs. Each icon includes a character. The controller is responsive to operation on the rotary wheel and the switch, and inputs a corresponding character. The above-mentioned rotary wheel can replace keyboard in the hand-held device.

Abstract: A method, system, apparatus, and program product for moving a pointer on a display screen. A ring capable of being worn by a user contains a sensor unit having multiple sensors. When the user activates one of the sensors, the pointer on the display screen moves in a corresponding direction.

Abstract: To monitor the reliability of the information provided by a dual optical angular encoder, comprising two pairs of cells for detecting marks borne by a disc, at a given instant, the sequences of at least four successive states taken by the two groups of cells before this instant are compared and the incrementation or decrementation indications given by the two groups are validated if the sequence for a group is either identical or phase-offset by at most one state, ahead or behind, with respect to the sequence of the other group.

Abstract: A method for detecting an absolute rotational position of an electromechanical device or the at least one component thereof comprising determining a first absolute position of the electromechanical device or the at least one component thereof based on a commutation index signal, obtaining a Z-index signal, and determining a second absolute position of the electromechanical device or the at least one component thereof based on the Z-index signal. The method initially determines a coarse rotational position of the electromechanical device such as a rotor or steering wheel based on the commutation index signal. When a device's position is first initialized by a commutation index signal before the Z-index pulse is detected, the device's position is re-initialized upon detection of the Z-Index pulse to provide a more accurate absolute device rotational position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an operating device for an in-car computing system (10) for controlling a selection mark (cursor), comprising an operating body (32) which is hold pivotally around an axis (36) (pivot axis) as to implement first and second switching functions, and a handle ridge (38) passing through said pivot axis (36), characterized in that the rotation of the operating body (32) is limited to an angle of ±90° relative to its normal position; a resetting means is provided for resetting said operating body (32) in its normal position; said operating body (32) is movable towards the pivot axis (36) as to implement a third switching function, and said operating body (32) is provided tiltably around an axis (45) being parallel to said handle ridge (38) as to implement fourth and fifth switching functions.

Abstract: A self-powered electronic combination lock including a lock mechanism having locked and unlocked conditions. A rotatable dial is used to input a numerical combination code for changing the lock mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. An electronic display operates to display individual numbers of the combination code as the dial is rotated and a control is electrically connected with the dial and the electronic display. The control changes the numbers shown in the display as the dial is rotated in a single direction and the control is operable to sense a change in the direction of dial rotation. An electricity generating device is connected with the dial and the control and operates through dial rotation to generate electricity to power the control.

Abstract: A photoconductive encoder structure has a grating cogwheel made of light-pervious materials, a sensor and two luminescence elements perpendicular to each other. An incident surface of the grating cogwheel surrounds a protruding surface, and protruding wheel parts divided in equal arc-shapes surround the grating cogwheel for focusing light from a light source by the protruding surface of the grating cogwheel. Moreover, the light is refracted to the corresponding protruding wheel parts for focusing again. Finally, the light is transmitted to the sensor to generate different phase sequence signals. Owing to the structure, a number of cogs surrounding a grating cogwheel is increased, and, at the same time, the structure does not affect convenience in the production process.

Abstract: A input apparatus for vehicle-installed instruments includes main input unit (operation unit) being placed in the proximity of a driver's seat for a user (driver) to switch a plurality of indicators displayed on a display screen into a selection mode and select any desired one of the indicators, thereby operating a vehicle-installed instrument. The main input unit includes leg parts and a palm support part extended in a lateral direction from the upper ends of the leg parts, a plurality of operation switches are placed on the opposite side of either of the leg parts to the extension direction, and an operation dial is placed on a side of the palm support part, enabling the user to move the indicators displayed on the display screen and switch one of the indicators into a selection mode by operating the operation switches and the operation dial.

Abstract: A rotary knob, particularly an illuminant rotary knob, provides function selection and execution through single-handed operation. The invention includes a light transparent light guide to couple with a compiling controller to facilitate user operations. A plurality of illuminant elements are located around the compiling controller to project light through the light guide to give the rotary knob an illuminant effect.

Abstract: A keyboard allowing typists to use approximate QWERTY finger movements on a more compact, collapsible, and portable keyboard. The keyboard size is made more compact by using thin capacitance-responsive surfaces as key switches for the rows above and below the home row. The bottom, space-bar row is also touch-sensitive and is placed on the side of the keyboard facing the typist. The capacitance-responsive surface for the row of keys switches above the home row has a convex profile, and the capacitance-responsive surface for the row of keys switches below the home row has a concave profile, such that the keyboard can fold compactly upon itself. The home row retains depressible key switches in order to provide standard rest positions for the fingers. Characters and commands assigned to the rows above and below the home row are engaged by sliding the fingers over the capacitance-responsive surfaces adjacent to the home row.

Abstract: A thumbwheel input device oriented on an incline and comprising a wheel such that a first input is generated by rotation of the wheel about its axis, and a holder also having an axis of rotation and a portion thereon to receive the wheel whereby a second input is generated by rotation of the holder about the second axis.

Abstract: A rotary interface for inputting text and other information that allows the user to quickly select and input large amounts of textual information into very small devices such as cell phones, hand-held or watch-sized PDAs, or other small devices with embedded processors where standard keyboard entry is untenable and where menu-driven selection and handwriting recognition-based character entry are non-optimal. The input interface includes three main components: a rotatable character or icon display in the form of a dial, a ring or appropriate electronic display; a means of unambiguously displaying or designating the currently selected character; and an entry mechanism for inputting the character data into the memory of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock having a knob which has no divisions or markings relating to the numbers of the combination thereon. The rotation of the knob drives a generator, which produces electrical power. The power generated serves as a power source for the electronics of the lock. A knob position detector indicates to the microprocessor the speed and amount of rotation of the knob. The timing capabilities of the lock provides the opportunity to set the minimum time that can be used in the entering of the combination. The lock waits a period of time, typically, two seconds between the entry of one element of the combination and the lock permitting the entry at the next element of the combination. The microprocessor will also keep a count record of all the failed attempts to open the lock since the last successful operation.

Abstract: A pager allows the input and transmission of a virtual unlimited range of messages. The pager comprises a character display control knob which controls the sequential display of alphabetic and numeric characters on a display. By rotating the knob, the displayed character advances or retreats through the appropriate alphabetic or numeric sequence. When the character is displayed that the pager user wishes to include in a message to be transmitted, the pager user presses a selection key. The process is repeated until the message is completed. The pager may then transmit the message to a paging system by radio transmission to a base station or by emitting a series of sounds in which the message is encoded. In the case of emitted sounds, the sounds are conveyed along an open phone line to the paging system where they are decoded.

Abstract: A self-powered electronic combination lock including a lock mechanism having locked and unlocked conditions. A rotatable dial is used to input a numerical combination code for changing the lock mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. An electronic display operates to display individual numbers of the combination code as the dial is rotated and a control is electrically connected with the dial and the electronic display. The control changes the numbers shown in the display as the dial is rotated in a single direction and the control is operable to sense a change in the direction of dial rotation. An electricity generating device is connected with the dial and the control and operates through dial rotation to generate electricity to power the control.

Abstract: A self-powered electronic combination lock including a lock mechanism having locked and unlocked conditions. A rotatable dial is used to input a numerical combination code for changing the lock mechanism from the locked condition to the unlocked condition. An electronic display operates to display individual numbers of the combination code as the dial is rotated and a control is electrically connected with the dial and the electronic display. The control changes the numbers shown in the display as the dial is rotated in a single direction and the control is operable to sense a change in the direction of dial rotation. An electricity generating device is connected with the dial and the control and operates through dial rotation to generate electricity to power the control.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary controller for electrical or electronic apparatuses (21, 22, 23), having a rotating knob (10). In order to offer the user a reference position of the rotating knob (10), with a simple design of the rotary controller, when making a selection between various options or when setting parameters, the invention provides a controllable latching and locking device (15), by means of which the rotating knob (10) can be locked selectively, in order to provide a stop for the rotary movement.

Abstract: A position switch of a select lever can switch in the ranges including “P”, “R”, “N”, “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” and the like. Code signals having combinations of “1” and “0” signals (on and off signals) to be respectively applied to a plurality of signal lines are arranged in such predetermined patterns as to correspond to the respective range positions and range-to-range intermediate positions “Z1”-“Z6”. Patterns of code signals corresponding to the respective operating positions of a select lever are set in the whole operating position of the select lever in such a manner that even when a signal in any one of the signal lines L1-L5 remains to be “0”, the combination of on and off signals is prevented from coinciding with the pattern of the signal corresponding to any operating position other than operating positions adjacent to each of the operation positions.

Abstract: A finger operated module for generating encoding signals is disclosed. The finger operated module of the present invention is used to generate encoding signals in response to a finger operation among the module for controlling transmission of light. The module partially protruding from a surface of an input device comprises a base member, a supporting member movably installed on the base member, and a rotating member pivoted on the supporting member and partially protrudes from the surface of the input device for receiving the finger operation, wherein an encoding signal generating media for controlling the transmitted light is provided on a first surface of the rotating member.

Abstract: A curved surface signal pick-up device comprises a rotary disk and graphite brushes. The rotary disk has grid ring on the side thereof. The grid ring have a common portion and transferring portions spaced with equal or unequal distances, each of the transferring portions are arranged alternatively so that the common portion and transferring portions on the rotary disk are arranged on the same radius. Graphite brushes made by dividing an single located element, one end of the graphite brushes are connected on a circuit board for transferring the receiving different signals, while another end of the graphite brushes are contacted with the common portion and the transferring portions of the grid ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating user interaction with a measurement instrument displays a control knob glyph corresponding to a user-adjustable parameter of the measurement instrument, the control knob glyph having an indicator and a partially circular drag area through which the indicator can be rotated. Inputs indicating amounts of rotational movement for the indicator can be received, and the location of the indicator within the drag area and the value of the parameter changed in response to such inputs.

Abstract: An apparatus for magnetically transferring control information from a rotary knob with a knob mounted in a manner which facilitates rotation, a magnetic material about the circumference of the knob with alternating field lines perpendicular to the direction of knob rotation, a magnetic detector, an electronic circuit for decoding the detected magnetic variations corresponding to knob rotation, and a frame upon which the knob and magnetic sensor are mounted. In a preferred embodiment, the knob is designed in such a manner as to provide an environmental seal between the front and rear side of the frame to which it is mounted.

Abstract: A transfer case motor controls the rotation of a cam. The cam actuates various gear states of a transfer case of a four-wheel-drive vehicle. A contact plate rotates with the cam and encodes the position of the cam as a four-bit binary code. The code is such that when the cam travels between any two gear states, one bit of the four-bit code stays constant from the initial gear state until the final gear state is reached. The single bit can thus be observed to determine that the final gear state has been reached. The encoding scheme is also such that the bit which stays constant always assumes the same state.

Abstract: An encoder wheel assembly includes a wheel holder, a roller revolvably supported on the wheel holder, a locating frame fastened to the wheel holder at an outer side, and an encoder wheel mounted in between the wheel holder and the locating frame, said encoder wheel having a wheel and a toothed shaft extended from the wheel at one side and inserted through a through hole on the wheel holder and meshed with teeth inside the roller for turning with the roller, and a spring member mounted around the shaft between the wheel holder and the wheel to force the wheel toward the locating frame, the wheel having raised portions at one side engaged with respective recessed portions at the locating frame. Rotating the roller causes the wheel to induce a transducer in producing signals for scrolling or shifting pages, or for various other purposes in computer software applications.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock includes a combination lock having a dial with no markings thereon. Rotation of the dial drives a generator which produces electrical pulses. The voltage pulses serves as a power source for the electronics of the lock. The lock also includes a security feature to disable the lock if the combination dial is stopped between dial rotations for a period of time which indicates dialing by an automatic dialer.

Abstract: A mouse encoding device that includes an operating interface for the user to operate on and a sensing device for sensing user input through the operating interface in order to modulate light pulses and generate encoded electrical signals. Through the rotation of a wheel in the mouse device, a mechanically linked photo-grid wheel is driven to generate a series of encoded signals. Furthermore, the wheel can move slightly in the vertical direction so that an activating switch can be turned on or off to produce yet another signal. Therefore, the movement of a mouse by a user is fully tracked.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for collecting response data. A response unit is provided having a dial, keypad, and a biconditional response mechanism. The response unit operates in two modes, a dial mode and a keypad mode. Mode is determined by the power supplied to the response unit. If the power supply supplies a first voltage, the response unit will be in one mode, and if the power supply supplies a second voltage, the response unit will be in a second mode. In dial mode, the keypad is inactive. The response unit sources a voltage along a continuum based on the positioning of the dial. The biconditional response mechanism may also be active and when activated, causes the response unit to source an analog voltage outside the dial's continuum. In keypad mode, the dial is inactive, and each key of the keypad is associated with a unique voltage within a voltage range such that pressing a key causes the associated voltage to be sourced by the response unit.

Abstract: An electronic combination lock includes a combination lock having a dial with no markings thereon. Rotation of the dial drives a generator which produces electrical pulses. The voltage pulses serves as a power source for the electronics of the lock. The lock also includes a security feature to disable the lock if the combination dial is stopped between dial rotations for a period of time which indicates dialing by an automatic dialer.

Abstract: An analog keyboard of a video display appliance which serves to minimize the number of control switches of an analog keyboard and enables the diverse design of a monitor in the video display appliance. The analog keyboard includes a plurality of encoding switches having at least two contact terminals for consecutively outputting pulse signals according to the rotation of the encoding switches clockwise or counter-clockwise.

Abstract: A novel pager allows the input and transmission of a virtual unlimited range of messages. The pager has a character dial on the periphery of which are printed the letters of the alphabet and digits 0 to 9. A rotary encoder encodes the movement of the dial. When a selection key is pressed, the character showing through a window in the housing of the pager is selected and entered. When the message is completed, the pager may transmit the message to a paging system by radio transmission to a base station or by emitting a series of sounds in which the message is encoded. In the case of emitted sounds, the sounds are conveyed along an open phone line to the paging system where they are decoded.